Snooker: Leading referee Ganley dies at 68

Tributes have been paid to snooker referee Len Ganley, who has died at the age of 68.

Ganley, who suffered from diabetes, died at home in his native Northern Ireland after his health deteriorated over recent weeks, World Snooker has announced.

The former milkman and bus driver became the best-known referee on the circuit during snooker's boom years in the 1980s, taking charge of his first Crucible final in 1983 and officiating at title matches in 1987, 1990 and 1993.

He was awarded the MBE for charity work and services to snooker in 1994 and retired in 1999. The six-times world champion Steve Davis said: "He was a great character off the table, but in the arena he was excellent."